ECHS 2050 - Observation & Assessment

Credit Hours: 3.00

Students will complete 20 hours of fieldwork in a school or early learning environment with children ages 3-4.

Billable Contact Hours: 3

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1. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to analyze the role that observation and assessment play in evidence-based teaching. 
   1. Discuss why assessments (formal and informal, formative and summative) are conducted to make informed choices about instruction and planning in early learning settings.
   2. Outline components of the assessment cycle.
2. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply ethical and professional practices in observation, assessment, documentation, and recordkeeping.
   1. Examine teachers’ personal, legal, and ethical responsibilities, including the use of NAEYC’s Code of Ethical Conduct, and their implications on the assessment process, including observation, assessment, documentation, and recordkeeping.
   2. Determine how the assessment process provides opportunities to encourage family collaboration and promote respectful relationships.
   3. Identify professional community partnerships that support children’s diverse needs, including screening and referrals to resources such as speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, mental health services, and other early intervention services.
3. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to complete observations using a variety of data-collection methods.
   1. Identify the purposes, advantages, and constraints of various assessment techniques and tools used to evaluate young children, including those associated with technology.
   2. Select assessments suitable for the developmental stage, culture, language, and abilities of the children being assessed.
   3. Use various data-collection methods, including anecdotal notes, checklists, and frequency counts, while assessing children’s progress and development.
4. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to use child observation data interpretations to inform teaching practices. (NAEYC 3c)
   1. Apply knowledge of interrelated developmental domains.
   2. Analyze the stages of early childhood development.
   3. Distinguish between typical and atypical development.
   4. Recognize the impact of situational factors, such as demographics, cultural perspectives, expectations, and personal biases, on observation and assessment.
   5. Identify children requiring additional support, specialized programs, and other interventions.
5. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to evaluate early childhood curriculum in early learning programs.
   1. Use assessment data to make decisions about teaching practices and curriculum.
   2. Demonstrate how observation and assessment are used to plan for and adjust curriculum design. 
6. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to evaluate early learning environments.
   1. Conduct an assessment of an Early Childhood Environment.
   2. Conduct an assessment of the Daily Routine within an Early Childhood Environment.
   3. Analyze data from the assessments to make instructional decisions in relation to the learning environment.
7. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to analyze adult-child interactions in early learning programs.
   1. Observe an adult-child interaction.
   2. Document the adult’s responsiveness to the child and the supportive strategies used.
   3. Analyze data from the observation to identify practices that emphasize relationship building.

• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

Week 1: Introduction to Observation and Assessment

• The role of observation and assessment in evidence-based teaching
• Introduction to key concepts and terminologies

Week 2: Theoretical Frameworks for Observation and Assessment

• Review of developmental theories and their impact on observation and assessment
• Introduction to evidence-based practices in early childhood education

Week 3: Ethical and Professional Practices

• Ethical considerations in observation and assessment
• Professional standards for documentation and recordkeeping
• Ensuring confidentiality and cultural sensitivity

Week 4: Observation Techniques and Methods

• Introduction to various observation techniques (e.g., naturalistic observation, structured observation)
• Hands-on practice with different observation methods

Week 5: Data Collection Methods

• Overview of data collection tools and methods (e.g., anecdotal records, time sampling, running records)
• The role of documentation
• Practicing data collection in real-world settings

Week 6: Analyzing and Interpreting Observational Data

• Techniques for analyzing observational data
• Using data to identify developmental milestones and learning needs
• Practical exercises on data interpretation

Week 7: Practical Application

• Practical application of observation and assessment techniques

Week 8: Developing Professional Documentation and Recordkeeping Practices

• Best practices for documentation and recordkeeping
• Using documentation to track progress and support communication with families
• Practical exercises in professional documentation

Week 9: Evaluating Early Childhood Curriculum

• Criteria for evaluating curriculum effectiveness
• Methods for assessing curriculum alignment with developmental goals
• Hands-on curriculum evaluation activities

Week 10: Analyzing Early Learning Environments

• Components of effective early learning environments
• Methods for evaluating physical and social aspects of learning environments
• Practical evaluation of learning environments

Week 11: Observing and Evaluating Teacher-Child Interactions

• Importance of teacher-child interactions in early learning
• Techniques for observing and analyzing interactions
• Practical exercises and role-playing scenarios

Week 12: Integrating Observation and Assessment with Program Evaluation

• Combining data from child observations and program evaluations
• Using findings to make programmatic changes and improvements
• Case studies on integrating data into program evaluation

Week 13: Applying Data to Inform Teaching Practices

• Translating observation data into instructional strategies
• Developing individualized learning plans based on data
• Case studies and group discussions

Week 14: Final Project Preparation

• Workshop time for project development and peer feedback

Week 15: Final Project Presentations

• Student presentations of final projects, including observational data analysis, curriculum evaluation, and program assessment
• Peer and instructor feedback

Week 16: Course Review and Reflection

• Review of key concepts and skills developed throughout the course
• Reflection on learning and application of skills in future professional practice
• Final course evaluation